{"id":4493,"date":"2025-07-21T20:23:33","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T20:23:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/07\/21\/oil-theft-how-tompolos-tantita-has-changed-the-ugly-narrative-of-oil-theft-illegal-bunkering-pipeline-vandalization-in-niger-delta\/"},"modified":"2025-07-21T20:25:08","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T20:25:08","slug":"oil-theft-how-tompolos-tantita-has-changed-the-ugly-narrative-of-oil-theft-illegal-bunkering-pipeline-vandalization-in-niger-delta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/07\/21\/oil-theft-how-tompolos-tantita-has-changed-the-ugly-narrative-of-oil-theft-illegal-bunkering-pipeline-vandalization-in-niger-delta\/","title":{"rendered":"OIL THEFT: How Tompolo\u2019s Tantita Has Changed The Ugly Narrative Of Oil Theft, Illegal Bunkering, Pipeline Vandalization In Niger Delta"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Esther David<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many years, Nigeria has lost billions of naira due to oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and environmental damage, especially in the Niger Delta. Despite efforts by government agencies and the military, the problem continued to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But in 2022, under the leadership of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, the federal government handed a pipeline surveillance contract to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) a move that has changed the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since then, Nigeria\u2019s fight against oil theft has made major progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tantita is owned by renowned former Niger Delta ex-agitator and leader, High Chief. (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo. Unlike others who previously got similar contracts but failed to deliver, Tantita has proven capable and committed. Here’s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Local Knowledge & Community Support, Tompolo and his team understand the Niger Delta creeks and riverways like no one else. This gives them an advantage over oil thieves who used to operate in hidden areas without being caught.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Strong Presence in the Creeks, Tantita has set up operations in areas where government forces struggled to reach. They\u2019ve uncovered and shut down many illegal refineries and oil tapping points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

-Better Oil Production, With fewer pipeline attacks, Nigeria\u2019s crude oil output has improved, helping the country meet its OPEC targets and earn more from oil exports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Job Creation, Thousands of jobs have been created for young people in the Niger Delta. This has helped reduce crime and unrest in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Stronger Ties with Local Communities, Communities now feel like partners in protecting oil facilities, rather than outsiders or enemies. This shared responsibility has built peace and trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Improved Intelligence, With the help of locals, Tantita is able to gather reliable information that helps stop oil theft before it happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Effurun Army Housing Barrack Renovated By Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tantita isn\u2019t just about security. The company has also carried out several community support projects, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Renovating army housing at Effurun Barracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Helping to upgrade the Nigeria Police headquarters in Ugborikoko.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building the Isoko Youth House in Ozoro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Constructing a modern NUJ secretariat for journalists in Warri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Giving financial help to traders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Training youths in ICT (computer skills).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These projects have made Tantita a household name, not only in security but also in community development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ugborikoko Police Station Renovated By Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Some people have questioned why a private company, especially one linked to an ex-agitator, should be trusted with securing national oil infrastructure. There are also concerns about accountability and the need for proper supervision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, many believe that the company has done far better than previous efforts by government forces. When a group called the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) recently criticized Tantita, thousands of Urhobo youths came out to defend the company, praising it for creating jobs and reducing crime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tantita\u2019s success lies in its unique approach: combining local experience, community involvement, and modern security methods. This has proven more effective than past efforts based only on military force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Completed NUJ Building Donated By Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Still, to keep these gains going, the government must ensure continued transparency, fair involvement of all groups, and clear policies to guide this new way of working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lesson here is simple: Solving Nigeria\u2019s oil theft problem may not come from force alone, but from working with the people who know the land and have the trust of the communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Completed Isoko Youths House Donated By Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Esther David For many years, Nigeria has lost billions of naira due to oil…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4494,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4493","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":5606,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2026\/05\/22\/fight-against-oil-theft-abraye-calls-on-fg-to-make-tompolos-pipeline-surveillance-contract-permanent-as-tantita-intercepts-another-vessel-laden-with-stolen-crude-oil\/","url_meta":{"origin":4493,"position":0},"title":"FIGHT AGAINST OIL THEFT: Abraye Calls On FG To Make Tompolo\u2019s Pipeline Surveillance Contract Permanent, As Tantita Intercepts Another Vessel Laden With Stolen Crude Oil\u201d","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"May 22, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"By Uche Alvin The National Coordinator of the Niger Delta Advocates For Peace, Development And Economic Justice (NDAPDEJ), Comrade Freeborn Abraye, has commended the outstanding efforts, operational vigilance, and high-level security intelligence of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited following the successful interception of a vessel laden with stolen crude oil\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/img_1623.jpg?fit=1157%2C569&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/img_1623.jpg?fit=1157%2C569&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/img_1623.jpg?fit=1157%2C569&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/img_1623.jpg?fit=1157%2C569&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/img_1623.jpg?fit=1157%2C569&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4910,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/10\/20\/oil-theft-tantitas-vigilance-has-dropped-illegal-oil-bunkering-oil-theft-and-pipeline-vandalism-drasticallysays-aniagwu-as-delta-govt-commends-tantita-security-company\/","url_meta":{"origin":4493,"position":1},"title":"OIL THEFT: \u201cTantita\u2019s Vigilance Has Dropped Illegal Oil Bunkering, Oil Theft And Pipeline Vandalism Drastically\u201dSays Aniagwu, As Delta Govt Commends Tantita Security Company","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"October 20, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Esther David Delta State Government Commends Tantita Security Services for Boosting Oil Production and Safeguarding National Assets The Delta State Government has commended Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) for its exceptional contributions to national security, economic stability, and community development \u2014 describing the company as a model of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Community"","block_context":{"text":"Community","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/community\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/img_4039.jpg?fit=974%2C626&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/img_4039.jpg?fit=974%2C626&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/img_4039.jpg?fit=974%2C626&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/img_4039.jpg?fit=974%2C626&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4258,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/07\/04\/niger-delta-group-writes-open-letter-to-president-bola-ahmed-tinubu-over-sustenance-of-gains-in-the-niger-delta-calls-on-the-government-to-support-tantita-security-services-in-their-fight-against-oil\/","url_meta":{"origin":4493,"position":2},"title":"Niger Delta Group Writes Open Letter To President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Over Sustenance Of Gains In The Niger Delta, Calls On The Government To Support Tantita Security Services In Their Fight Against Oil Theft And Environmental Degradation","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"July 4, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"\u200eBy Uche Alvin OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU GCFR.\u200eSUSTAINING THE GAINS IN THE NIGER DELTA: A CALL TO SUPPORT TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST OIL THEFT AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION.\u200e\u200eYour Excellency,\u200e\u200eWe write to you as stakeholders of Niger Delta and as an independent organization dedicated\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_0520-1.jpg?fit=635%2C483&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_0520-1.jpg?fit=635%2C483&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_0520-1.jpg?fit=635%2C483&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5614,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2026\/05\/24\/just-in-freeborn-abraye-warns-itsekiri-national-youths-council-to-stop-politicizing-tompolos-pipeline-surveillance-contract-describes-call-for-decentralization-as-plot-to-reopen-illegal-bun\/","url_meta":{"origin":4493,"position":3},"title":"JUST IN: Freeborn Abraye Warns Itsekiri National Youths Council To Stop Politicizing Tompolo\u2019s Pipeline Surveillance Contract, Describes Call For Decentralization As Plot To Reopen Illegal Bunkering, Pipeline Vandalism, Crude Oil Theft Networks For Oil Thieves","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"May 24, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022Charge The Youth Body To First Demand For The Decentralization Of The Pipeline Surveillance Contract Handled By Their Olu, Tsola Emiko, The Olu Of Itsekiri Before Attacking Tompolo\u2019s Contract By Ebiowei Gabriel The National Coordinator of Niger Delta Advocates For Peace, Development and Economic Justice (NDAPDEJ), Comrade Freeborn Abraye, has\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/img_1648.jpg?fit=1099%2C629&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/img_1648.jpg?fit=1099%2C629&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/img_1648.jpg?fit=1099%2C629&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/img_1648.jpg?fit=1099%2C629&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/img_1648.jpg?fit=1099%2C629&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4756,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/08\/30\/protecting-oil-assets-is-protecting-nigeria-says-tantita-md-kestin-pondi-as-tantita-bags-defender-of-the-nation-award-in-abuja\/","url_meta":{"origin":4493,"position":4},"title":"\u201cProtecting Oil Assets Is Protecting Nigeria\u201d Says Tantita MD. Kestin Pondi, As Tantita Bags Defender Of The Nation Award In Abuja","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"August 30, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has been honoured with the Grand Defender of the Nation Award (Oil & Gas) at the Niger Delta Night of Honor 2025, held on Thursday, August 28, at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja as part of activities marking the 10th Anniversary of GbaramatuVoice.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/img_2268-2-1.jpg?fit=871%2C686&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/img_2268-2-1.jpg?fit=871%2C686&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/img_2268-2-1.jpg?fit=871%2C686&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/img_2268-2-1.jpg?fit=871%2C686&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2205,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2024\/04\/25\/senator-seriake-dickson-commends-tantita-security-services-for-combating-oil-theft-in-niger-delta-calls-for-local-national-security-agencies-collaboration-for-more-effectiveness\/","url_meta":{"origin":4493,"position":5},"title":"Senator Seriake Dickson Commends Tantita Security Services For Combating Oil Theft In Niger Delta, Calls For Local, National Security Agencies\u2019 Collaboration For More Effectiveness","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"April 25, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Coastal Times Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the representative of Bayelsa West in the 10th Assembly and former Governor of Bayelsa state, has thrown his weight behind Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited\u2019s involvement in the fight against oil theft in the Niger-Delta. During an appearance on the Arise TV Breakfast show,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Economic"","block_context":{"text":"Economic","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/economic\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/img_1452-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/img_1452-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/img_1452-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/img_1452-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/img_1452-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pfDfBE-1at","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_1167-4-1.jpg?fit=700%2C395&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4493","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4493"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4493\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4495,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4493\/revisions\/4495"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4494"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4493"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4493"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4493"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}